“Agriculture is the backbone of America, and we need to make sure our farmers and ranchers are provided all the resources necessary to successfully do their jobs."

Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN, Texas – (WOODVILLE, TX) – U.S. Congressman Brian Babin (TX-36) issued the following statement after the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue, announced the details of the new Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), which will provide up to $16 billion in direct payments to deliver relief to America’s farmers and ranchers impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

“America’s agriculture industry has been tremendously important during these unprecedented times,” said Babin. “Our farmers and ranchers have been working relentlessly over the past several months to ensure grocery stores remain stocked and Americans continue to have food on their tables – but we must remember that this pandemic has negatively impacted parts of the agriculture sector as well. Thanks to Secretary Perdue, the CFAP will provide much needed relief for this vital industry.

“Beginning on May 26, 2020, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), through the Farm Service Agency (FSA), will be accepting applications from agricultural producers who have suffered losses. I highly encourage all farmers, ranchers, and producers who have been negatively affected by COVID-19 to apply for this relief as quickly as possible.

“The CFAP will help our agriculture industry in two significant ways. The first way is to compensate farmers – using funds provided by the CARES Act – for up to $9.5 billion in losses due to price declines that have occurred during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The second way uses the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to compensate producers for up to $6.5 billion in losses due to continuing market disruptions.

“Agriculture is the backbone of America, and we need to make sure our farmers and ranchers are provided all the resources necessary to successfully do their jobs. My office and I remain ready to provide assistance or clarification about the CFAP, so please don’t hesitate to reach out.”